First of all, this paper discusses the problem of the relocation of the Futenma United
States Marine Corps base from the viewpoint of a Chinese threat and the United States
national interests. In 2010, Prime Minister Hatoyama was not able to keep his promise of
moving the Futenma Marine Corps base out of Okinawa. As a result, he resigned giving in
to the United States demands and an argument on deterrence advocated by the bureaucrats
of the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs. However, I contend that maintaining
status quo only benefits the United States and the Chinese threat is exaggerated. The paper
also analyzes deterrence of the Marine Corps base in relation to the Senkaku Islands
(Diayudao in China or the Pinnacle Islands). According to those who support the United
States-Japan Security Treaty (hereafter referred to as the Security Treaty), if there were no
Security Treaty, China would occupy the Senkaku Islands. In order for China to not do so,
Japan maintains the Security Treaty and the Marine Corps troops in Okinawa. That is the
essence of the Security Treaty, they argue. However, I propose that Japan cooperate with
China and Taiwan to administer the Senkaku Islands to utilize ocean resources. China and
Japan can keep peace by sharing ocean resources in the vicinities of the Senkaku Islands
instead of Japan relying on the Security Treaty and the Marine Corps troops in Okinawa. I
point out that today’s Marine Corps troops can be sent anywhere in the world by air, so
there is little reason why they should stay in Okinawa. The United States forces would
stay in Japan for indefinitely although no town or city in Japan welcomed Marine Corps
troops as Hatoyama proved. The reason why the United States forces would not leave
Japan is very simple: generous Japan’s host nation support. Therefore, I recommend that
the Japanese Government immediately abolish the host nation support. In conclusion, I
argue that Japan does not need the Marine Corps troops in Okinawa and United States
forces should withdraw from Japan since they are not welcomed in Japan. Instead of
relying on the Security Treaty and the Marine Corps troops, Japan should put emphasis on
the diplomatic efforts that will enhance Japan’s security.

Keywords:

Futenma, Okinawa, the United States Marine Corps, the United States forces and bases in Japan, Japan’s security, Deterrence